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Expedition and Small Cruise Ship Charter

Expedition, ice-class and small cruise ships for charter: bareboat, time or full-ship charter for operators, expeditions and groups. Rates on request.

QPS Marine Ships arranges charters of expedition ships, ice-class cruise ships and small boutique cruise ships worldwide. We act for shipowners and charterers and coordinate the deal from first enquiry through contract and delivery. Some small ships available for charter are off-market; we share their details with qualified charterers after an NDA.

Small ships go where large cruise ships cannot: polar waters, remote islands, narrow fjords, river mouths and small harbours without cruise terminals. That makes them the natural choice for expedition operators, scientific and film projects, private groups and new cruise brands testing a market.

Who charters expedition and small cruise ships

  • Expedition cruise operators adding a ship for a season, covering a gap before a newbuild arrives, or replacing a ship in drydock.

  • New cruise brands testing an itinerary or market before committing to a purchase.

  • Tour operators and travel companies running their own branded voyages with a fully operated ship.

  • Private groups, families and companies taking a whole ship for a special voyage, conference or celebration.

  • Film, television and media productions that need a ship as a location, a base for crew, or a support vessel. QPS has supplied vessels for film, TV commercials and the Netflix series The Romanoffs.

  • Scientific, survey and government projects that need berths, laboratory space or a support ship in a remote area.

  • VIP and state visits that need a support or accommodation ship. QPS supplied a passenger support vessel for the King of Saudi Arabia's visit to the Maldives.

Types of charter for small ships

Bareboat charter

The charterer takes over the ship for the term and supplies the crew, management, hotel operation and insurance cover as agreed. It suits established operators with their own marine and hotel teams. Terms usually run from a season to several years.

Time charter

The owner keeps the ship crewed, maintained and insured. The charterer decides the itinerary and sells the voyages, and usually pays fuel and port costs. It suits brands and tour operators that want their own product without running the marine side.

Full-ship charter

The owner or operator runs the entire ship, crew and hotel for a specific voyage or period, and the charterer supplies the guests and programme. It is the usual choice for private groups, incentive trips, film shoots and one-off expeditions.

For a fuller explanation, read Bareboat vs. Time Charter for Passenger Ships.

Expedition and small cruise ships currently available for charter

Charter rates are quoted on request. They depend on the type of charter, the term, the season, the operating area and positioning. The type of charter is open to negotiation with each shipowner.

Expedition and ice-class cruise ships

Small and boutique cruise ships

Looking for a larger ship? See cruise ship charter. To buy instead, see small cruise ships for sale.

What to check before chartering an expedition ship

  • Ice class and Polar Code. Polar voyages need a ship with a suitable ice class and a Polar Ship Certificate for the waters and season planned. Check the notation and the certificate's operational limits.

  • Zodiacs, tenders and landing equipment. Expedition programmes depend on boats, boarding platforms and trained drivers. Ask what is on board and in what condition.

  • Range and endurance. Remote itineraries need fuel, fresh water production and provisions for long periods between ports.

  • Stability and seakeeping. Small ships in open water need good seakeeping; check the ship's history in the planned area.

  • Flag, trading area and cabotage. The flag and certificates decide where the ship can trade and whether it can carry passengers between domestic ports in countries with cabotage rules.

  • Medical and safety provision. Remote areas need a doctor or medical facility and evacuation planning.

  • Positioning. Moving a small ship across an ocean takes time and fuel. Ask who pays for delivery and redelivery.

Charter with an option to buy

Some owners will consider a charter with a purchase option, or a charter where part of the hire counts toward a later purchase. Several of the ships above are offered for either sale or charter. These structures are negotiated case by case.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charter an expedition ship for a private group?

Yes. A full-ship charter gives a private group the whole ship, crew and hotel for an agreed voyage or period. Tell us the number of guests, dates and region, and we will suggest suitable ships.

What is the difference between an expedition ship and a small cruise ship?

An expedition ship is built or equipped for remote areas, often with an ice class, landing boats and a long range. A small cruise ship carries a few dozen to a few hundred guests on more conventional itineraries.

Do I need an ice-class ship for Antarctica or the Arctic?

For most polar voyages, yes. Ships operating in polar waters need a Polar Ship Certificate, and the ice class required depends on the area and season. Check each ship's notation and certificate limits.

How much does it cost to charter an expedition ship?

Charter rates are quoted on request. They depend on the ship, the type of charter, the term, the season, the operating area and positioning costs.

How far ahead should I plan a small ship charter?

As early as possible. Polar and peak-season dates are often committed a year or more ahead, so contact us as soon as you know your dates and numbers.

Do you only offer the ships listed on this page?

No. Some expedition and small cruise ships are available off-market, and their details are shared with qualified charterers after an NDA.

Next step

Send us your requirements: number of guests, type of charter, region, dates, and any ice-class or equipment needs. We will reply with suitable ships, including off-market options.

Capt. Ken Caine, Managing Broker – +1-516-647-5129 (mobile/WhatsApp), sales@qpsships.com
Jeff Garcia, Managing Broker, Mediterranean Sea Area – +1-954-296-9066, Jeffgarcia@qpsships.com
Office: 4000 Island Blvd, Suite 1506, Aventura, FL 33160

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